Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko said Friday he would agree to early

Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko said Friday he would agree to early presidential elections only if they take place at the same time as parliamentary polls.

"I am prepared to approve the decision on an early presidential election," Yushchenko was quoted by the Unian agency as saying, adding it must be part of a "package including parliamentary elections."

On Wednesday, Ukraine's parliament voted overwhelmingly in favor of presidential elections to be held on October 25, three months ahead of the date Yushchenko had pushed for. Yushchenko's popularity ratings have fallen to single figures amid political instability and a shrinking economy.

Yushchenko said he has no intention of dissolving parliament or appointing early elections himself. "There are no grounds for the president to dismiss parliament," he told journalists.

According to the Constitution, the president can dismiss the Rada under three conditions: if a coalition is not formed within 30 days, if the cabinet is not formed within 60 days, or if MPs are unable to hold a parliamentary session within 30 days.

The president's former "Orange Revolution" ally, Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, now an arch-rival, is likely to run against the president at the next election.